A Journey of Faith and Physical Wellness

In the first quarter-century of my life, I basked in the divine grace of God, His favor shielding me from harm, supporting me in my endeavors. I felt His presence profoundly, experiencing a deep spiritual communion during a heartfelt prayer of repentance. But my life, like any other, wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. The ebullience of my early years gave way to a dark period that shook me to my core.

Depression infiltrated my heart unnoticed, consuming my joy and zest for life. Every morning felt like a monotonous cycle, echoing the sentiment in Philippians 1:23 “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” I felt an intensification of my spiritual sensitivity, further compounded by the fear of stigma and the obligation to maintain a joyful facade.

In this spiritual crisis, I discovered the intricate link between physical wellness and spiritual wellbeing. I realized that my path to wellness was not just about waiting for divine intervention, but also actively pursuing it. This involved reaching out for help, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and nurturing my relationship with God. My faith became my beacon, my source of hope and direction amidst the fog of depression. The Lord stays close to the brokenhearted and rescues those crushed in spirit. In my darkest hour, I discovered my path to physical wellness, underpinned by faith, hope, and God’s promise of healing.

Through my journey, I understood that physical wellness is not merely about being disease-free or having a balanced diet and exercise routine. It’s about a holistic approach that aligns the physical with the spiritual. My trials led me towards spiritual growth, guided by Biblical teachings, reinforcing the truth in James 1:2-4, about trials leading to perseverance and maturity.

Depression taught me that physical wellness extends beyond the physical body. My crushed spirit, as described in Proverbs 17:22 (“A merry heart does good, like medicine. But a broken spirit dries the bones.”), manifested in physical symptoms. Yet, God’s word provided solace, lifting the darkness. I found comfort in “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). From those verses I realized my experiences equipped me to comfort others.

In conclusion, physical wellness is about spiritual resilience, not just absence of illness. Navigating life’s ups and downs with the Bible as my guide, I found a wellness rooted in God’s love, faithfulness, and teachings. This wellness transcends the physical realm, underscoring that “in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

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4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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